New from Prudential: Level Term Life to Age 65

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that effects 1 in 11 children and 1 in 12 adults. In the last ten years, asthma has climbed by 15 percent according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Researchers used data from multiple health studies, including the National Health Interview Survey, to determine the state of asthma across the nation. Out of the 24.6 million people afflicted with asthma, the disease was found in higher concentrations among women, children and African-Americans. The study also concluded that individuals that have a household income of $75,000 or less are more likely to have asthma than adults with a higher income.

Asthma varies in severity. Some suffer from shortness of breath or coughing while others suffer from attacks that can be life-threatening. Acute conditions are when an individual does not response to inhalers and respiratory failure occurs where the chest feels like it is suffocating and you cannot speak because of persistent breathlessness. You need to seek emergency medical attention in response to this type of attack.

The Center for Disease Control provides a community action guide that will help access problems in the your home as far as irritants that may trigger asthma symptoms such as your mattress or pillow allergen as well as structural considerations and improvements to ventilation systems.

The Mayo Clinic reports that while there is no permanent cure for asthma, adhering to medications and avoiding risk factors like smoking and excessive weight gain can easily control its symptoms.

Keep in mind that asthma is considered a pre-existing medical condition and can increase your health insurance and life insurance rates. Those with a mild condition and the asthma has been controlled with two or less medications generally are subject to better life insurance rates. Hospitalizations that are due to asthma or having asthma with other medical conditions may not be declined but will be offered higher rates.

Slightly more than 8 percent of Americans suffer from asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which also found that factors like location and economic status can influence the development of the chronic illness.

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